Automatic speed control for swimming flume system

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of an object (e.g., a swimmer) within a pool and adjusting the rate of flow produced by an swimming flume system to maintain the object&#39;s position within the pool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/125,560, filed Apr. 20, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of an object (e.g., a swimmer) within a pool and adjusting the rate of flow within a swimming flume to maintain the object's position within the pool.

BACKGROUND

Swimming flumes provide users with the opportunity to swim continuously in a single direction at a set pace without ever reaching the end of the pool. Swimming flumes generally create a flow of water (i.e., a current) within the pool (e.g., from one end of the pool to the other), typically via the use of one or more intake and/or outlet pumps/jets.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of an object (e.g., a swimmer) within a pool and adjusting the rate of flow produced by an swimming flume system to maintain the object's position within the pool.

In some embodiments, provided herein are systems comprising a water current generator and a position monitor, wherein the water current generator is configured to produce a current within a body of water, and a position monitor configured to monitor the position of an object within the body of water; wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the object in a forward direction opposing the current, then the water current generator increases the rate of flow. In some embodiments, if the position monitor detects movement of the object in a backward direction with the current, then the water current generator decreases the rate of flow. In some embodiments, the body of water is a pool.

In some embodiments, the system is integrated into the sides and/or bottom of the pool. In some embodiments, the system is mounted onto a pool deck, sides, and/or bottom of the pool.

In some embodiments, the water current generator comprises a one or more of a hydraulic motor, a jet, a pump, and a propeller; wherein the water current generator produces a current by forcing water into the body or water. In some embodiments, the system comprises a second water current generator comprising one or more of a hydraulic motor, a jet, a pump, and a propeller; wherein the second water current generator produces a current by pulling water from the body or water.

In some embodiments, the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the object within the body of water. In some embodiments, the position monitor comprises a multidimensional (e.g., 2D, 3D, etc.) detector. In some embodiments, the position monitor detects forward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line in the body of water. In some embodiments, the position monitor detects backward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line in the body of water. In some embodiments, the position monitor continuously monitors the position of the object in the pool and the current generator increases or decreases the rate of flow to maintain stable forward to backward position of the object within the body of water.

In some embodiments, provided herein are pools comprising the systems, devices, and/or components described herein.

In some embodiments, provided herein are methods of maintaining the position of a subject swimming within a pool (and systems/devices for performing such methods), the method comprising: (a) generating a current within the pool, against which the subject can swim; (b) monitoring the position of the subject within the pool; and (c) modifying the force of the current if the subject advances or retreats position within the pool with respect to the current. In some embodiments, the current is generated by one or more hydraulic motors, jets, pumps, and/or propellers forcing water into and/or out of a portion of the pool. In some embodiments, the position of the subject is monitored by one or more of radar, sonar, lidar, and/or a light beam.

BRIED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Exemplary pool system comprising a single water current generator 10 located at one end of a pool 1 and producing a water current 5; a position monitor 20 comprising a forward sensor 24 generating a forward detection beam/wave and a backward sensor 22 generating a backward detection beam/wave 23; and a processor/controller/memory/UI unit 30 operably linker 32/34 to the water current generator 10 and position monitor 20.

FIG. 2. Exemplary pool system comprising a first water current generator 10 located at a first end of a pool 1 and a second water current generator 40 located at a second end producing a water current 5; a position monitor 20 comprising a forward sensor 24 generating a forward detection beam/wave and a backward sensor 22 generating a backward detection beam/wave 23; and a processor/controller/memory/UI unit 30 operably linker 32/34/36 to the first water current generator 10, the second water current generator 40, and the position monitor 20.

FIG. 3. Exemplary pool system comprising a single water current generator 10 located at one end of a pool 1 and producing a water current 5; a position monitor 20 comprising a position sensor 26 generating a position detection beam/wave 27; and a processor/controller/memory/UI unit 30 operably linker 32/34 to the water current generator 10 and position monitor 20.

FIG. 4. Exemplary pool system comprising an integrated unit 50 located at a first end of a pool 1 comprising a water current generator, position monitor, and processor/controller/memory/UI unit.

DEFINITIONS

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments described herein, some preferred methods, compositions, devices, and materials are described herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. However, in case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. Accordingly, in the context of the embodiments described herein, the following definitions apply.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a jet” is a reference to one or more jets and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of listed items, including any of the listed items individually. For example, “A, B, and/or C” encompasses A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, and ABC, each of which is to be considered separately described by the statement “A, B, and/or C.”

As used herein, the term “comprise” and linguistic variations thereof denote the presence of recited feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. without the exclusion of the presence of additional feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. Conversely, the term “consisting of” and linguistic variations thereof, denotes the presence of recited feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. and excludes any unrecited feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc., except for ordinarily-associated impurities. The phrase “consisting essentially of” denotes the recited feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. and any additional feature(s), element(s), method step(s), etc. that do not materially affect the basic nature of the composition, system, or method. Many embodiments herein are described using open “comprising” language. Such embodiments encompass multiple closed “consisting of” and/or “consisting essentially of” embodiments, which may alternatively be claimed or described using such language.

As used herein, the “pool” refers to any enclosed body of water, such as a tank or container that could be occupied by a object or subject, including but not limited to swimming pools and spas.

As used herein, the terms “swimming flume,” “swim-jetted pool,” “swim spa,” and other known or colloquial variations thereof all refer to a swimming pool outfitted (e.g., upon new construction (e.g., integrated within the pool structure) or retroactively (as an add-on device or system)) with a water-flow device or system configured to create current within the water of the pool (e.g., for swimming or running against).

As used herein, the term “controller” refers to any hardware, software, firmware, etc., or combinations thereof that is operative to receive instructions (e.g., in the form of an electronic signal or data) and to control devices accordingly (e.g., mechanical devices).

As used herein, the term “processor” refers to a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU). The processor is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of an object (e.g., a swimmer) within a tank/pool and adjusting the rate of flow produced by a swimming flume system to maintain the object's position within the pool.

Provided herein are systems, devices, and components thereof that produce a current within a pool (e.g., along a first axis of the pool (e.g., the longitudinal axis). In some embodiments, a current is produced within a portion of a pool. In some embodiments, a linear current is produced that flows from a first end of the pool toward a second end of the pool (e.g., along a first axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis)). Such a current allows a subject to swim (or run, or walk) in a single direction against the current, without reaching the first end of the pool. In order to function properly, the rate of flow must be sufficient to prevent the subject from advancing toward the first end of the pool (the source of the current), while not being too strong to push the subject backward toward the second end of the pool. If a subject swims at a constant rate, a device could be set to produce a current of constant force, and that subject could then swim (or run, or walk) without advancing or retreating. However, if the subject speeds up or slows down, then the rate of flow produced by the system must be adjusted to match the force produced by the subject or else the subject will advance or retreat within the pool. Existing devices operate at a single rate of flow or must be manually adjusted by the subject or a third party. In some embodiments, provided herein are systems that automatically adjust the rate of flow in a pool based on the position of the subject within the pool.

Provided herein are enclosed bodies of water, including but not limited to swimming pools and spas. In some embodiments, pools are provided. A pool has a bottom (floor) with sides extending upward (e.g., vertically or otherwise) therefrom. A pool may be of a constant depth or may have variable depths at various positions throughout the pool. The pool sides may be linear, curved, or of any suitable shape. A pool may be of any suitable shape (e.g., rectangle, kidney, circular, semi-circle, irregular) and may have stairs, seating, ladders, etc. therein. The pool walls and bottom may be constructed of any suitable material or combinations thereof (e.g., concrete, metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.), glass, fiberglass, etc.). In some embodiments, a pool comprises a filtration system. A pool may comprise lights, blowers, jets, pumps, drains, and other elements that are typical to pools. A pool may comprise various recreational elements, such as a net extending over the pool, a slide, a diving board, etc. Any features of a pool that are essential to its function as a pool and/or are optional enhancements, particularly those that do not directly relate to the present technologies, may be included in pools incorporating the technologies described herein, while not necessarily being claimed or recited herein.

In some embodiments, the systems and devices herein comprise a component or set of components, referred to herein as a water current generator, that functions to produce a current within the water of a pool. A water current generator may comprise any elements and components suitable for producing a current within a pool. Components for producing such currents may include propellers, jets, water outlets, water inlets, pumps (e.g., hydraulic pumps), motors (e.g., hydraulic motors), a power source, piping, other elements/components understood in the field, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the water current generator is located at a first end of the pool and one or more jets, propellers, pumps, outlets, etc. force water from that first end of the pool into the body of the pool toward a second end of the pool; a current is created from the first end toward the second end.

In other embodiments, a water current generator comprises components located at both first and second ends of the pool (e.g., opposing ends). The components at the first end force water into the body of the pool, while the components at the second end draw water in from the body of the pool; a current is thusly created from the first end toward the second end.

In some embodiments, a water return delivers the water drawing in at the second end of the pool back to the first end of the pool without creating a current in the path of a used of the pool (e.g., a swimmer located at or near the approximate center of the pool, a swimmer located in the current created by the water current generator, etc.). In some embodiments, a water return comprises pipes or other chambers. In some embodiments, water is returned from the second end to the first end within the body of the pool, but outside of the swim path of the user (e.g., along the side(s) of the pool, at the bottom of the pool etc.).

Any suitable methods and components for generating a current for a user to swim (or run, or walk) against are within the scope herein. The present technology of coupling a position monitor with a water current generator is not limited by the means of generating the water flow.

In some embodiments, the systems and devices herein comprise a component or set of components, referred to herein as a position monitor, that functions to determine whether a subject (or object) within a body of water is advancing against a current (generated by the system or device) of retreating with the current. In some embodiments, if the position monitor detects the subject advancing against the current, a signal is sent to increase the power/force of the water current generator and to increase the rate of flow. In some embodiments, if the position monitor detects the subject retreating with the current, a signal is sent to reduce the power/force of the water current generator and to reduce the rate of flow.

In some embodiments, a position monitor continuously monitors the position of a subject/object within the body of water (e.g., within the stream of current produced by the water current generator). In some embodiments, a position monitor monitors the position of a subject/object within the body of water (e.g., within the stream of current produced by the water current generator) every 0.1 seconds, 0.2 second, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, or less frequently, or ranges therebetween.

In some embodiments, the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the object within the body of water. In some embodiments, the position monitor comprises a multidimensional (e.g., 2D, 3D, etc.) detector. In some embodiments, a multidimensional detector allows the position monitor to record data regarding the rate of change of the of the position of the swimmer (e.g., velocity, acceleration, etc.) not merely positional data. In some embodiments, a position monitor comprises multiple sensors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more or ranges therebetween (e.g., 4 or more)).

In some embodiments, adjustments to the rate of flow may be made continuously. In some embodiments, adjustments to the rate of flow are made once every 0.1 seconds, 0.2 second, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds, or less frequently, or ranges therebetween). In some embodiments, adjustments to the rate of flow are made when the subject/object advances or retreats a set or predetermined distance (e.g., 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 1.5 feet, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 6 feet, or more, or ranges therebetween). In some embodiments, adjustments to the for rate of flow are made when the subject/object advances or retreats a set or predetermined percent of the distance to the pool wall, edge of the body of water, terminus of the current, or other set/predetermined position (e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or more, or ranges therebetween).

In some embodiments, a position monitor detects if an object/subject advances beyond a set or predetermined position in the body of water (e.g., line across the body of water (e.g., orthogonal to the flow of the current)). In some embodiments, the rate of flow is increased in response to a signal from the position monitor that the object/subject has advanced beyond the set or predetermined position in the body of water. In some embodiments, a position monitor detects if an object/subject retreats beyond a set or predetermined position in the body of water (e.g., line across the body of water (e.g., orthogonal to the flow of the current)). In some embodiments, the rate of flow is decreased in response to a signal from the position monitor that the object/subject has retreated beyond the set or predetermined position in the body of water. In some embodiments, the position of the object/subject is detected only when it advances and/or retreats beyond a set or predetermined position in the body of water.

In some embodiments, the position monitor is operatively linked to the water current generator such that the force applied by the water current generator is adjusted in response to changes in the position of a subject/object within the current stream. In some embodiments, a system or device herein comprises one or more processors, memory components, controllers, user interfaces, and other electronic components to facilitate adjusting the flow of current in response to the position of the subject/object (or changes in position (e.g., advancing or retreating).

In some embodiments, the water current generator is operatively linked (e.g., via a controller) to a processor. For example, the processor may direct a controller to adjust the force/power of the water current generator to increase or decrease the rate of flow produced. In some embodiments, the position monitor is operatively linked to a processor. For example, data regarding the position of a subject/object within the body of water (e.g., relative to an edge of a pool, within the current stream, etc.) may be sent from the position monitor to the processor. In some embodiments, a signal is sent from the position monitor to the processor if the subject advances or retreats (e.g., beyond a threshold). In some embodiments, the processor directs changes in the rate of flow produced by the water current generator (e.g., via a controlled) based on the signal and/or data the processor receives from the position monitor.

In some embodiments, a memory component (e.g., associated with or operatively linked to the processor) stores data related to the position of the object/subject, whether the subject advanced/retreated beyond the threshold, the rate of flow, changes made to the rate of flow, duration of the current and the rate of flow, etc. In some embodiments, the rate of flow changes according to a program that is saved on a memory component of the device. In some embodiments, the rate of flow is increased/decreased according to the program. In some embodiments, adjustments to the rate of flow are made (e.g., overriding the preset program, adjusting the program, temporarily, etc.) if a subject/object in the current advances or retreats within the current stream. In some embodiments, the processor, memory component, and/or other operably linked components are configured to monitor the output (e.g., in watts, kjoules, strokes, converted to distance travelled, etc.) of a swimmer swimming against the current generated by a system described herein. In some embodiments, systems/devices herein monitor/record any suitable measures of output for a subject (See, e.g., Swanwick. Defining and Monitoring Power Measurement in Elite Swimmers. American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 2017, 5(3), 57-63; incorporated by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, the duration of a programmed routine is set according to any suitable measure of output. In some embodiments, systems/devices herein comprise a stroke counter. In some embodiments, the position monitor comprises a stroke counter. In some embodiments, methods are provided in which the system is programmed to allow the swimmer to swim a set “distance,” for a set work output (e.g., kjoules), or for a set number of strokes before the program ends (e.g., the water current generator stops producing current) or the user is alerted.

In some embodiments, systems, devices, and components described herein are integrated into a pool or spa or the mechanicals thereof. For example, detectors of the position monitor and/or the jets or propellers of the water current generator may be integrated into and/or recessed within sides of the pool/spa. In some embodiments, a processor, memory component, controller position monitor, water current generator, etc. are integrated into the walls of a pool, located alongside the mechanicals of a pool, integrated into the mechanicals of a pool, etc.

In some embodiments, systems, devices, and/or components described herein are integrated into a pool/spa upon construction thereof. In some embodiments, systems, devices, and components described herein are integrated into a prefabricated pool/spa system, some embodiments, systems, devices, and components described herein are integrated into the on-site construction of a pool/spa.

In some embodiments, systems, devices, and/or components described herein are retrofit into/onto a pool/spa upon construction thereof. In some embodiments, systems, devices, and/or components described herein are attached to and/or integrated into an existing pool/spa. In some embodiments, systems, devices, and/or components described herein are configured for attachment/integration into existing pools/spas.

In some embodiments, a position monitor is provided for attachment/integration with an existing water current generator or with a third-party water current generator. For example, a position monitor (e.g., comprising one or more sensors/detectors), processor, controlled, and/or any other components, are provided for attachment to an existing pool/spa comprising an existing water current generator.

The systems, devices, and/or components described herein find use in maintaining the position of a subject or object within a current generated by the system within a body of water for any purposes. The body of water is typically a pool or spa that a subject utilizes for swimming against the current generated. A subject may wish to swim in such a spa or pool for any purposes for example, for rehabilitation (e.g., from an injury, from a stroke, etc.), recreation, exercise, competition (e.g., swimming races, triathlons, etc.), etc.

In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and/or components described herein find use in providing the appropriate current to maintain the position of an object (not a subject) within a body of water. For example, in some embodiments, the systems, devices, and/or components described herein find use in creating a testing chamber for submersible vehicles or boats.

Exemplary pool systems are depicted in FIGS. 1-4. These are examples of pool systems within the scope herein, but are not exhaustive. The elements depicted in the figures can be recombined with each other and/or other elements described herein to produce other exemplary embodiments. The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-4 are intended to clarify certain embodiments without limiting the scope herein.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary pool system comprising a single water current generator 10 located at one end of the pool 1. The water current generator 10 comprises one or more jets/pumps/propellers 15 that produce a linear water current 5. The system comprises a position monitor 20 comprising a forward sensor 24 that generates/receives a forward detection beam/wave 25 and a backward sensor 22 that generates/receives a backward detection beam/wave 23. A a processor/controller/memory/UI unit 30 (which may be house in a single unit or multiple units and/or in/on either the water current generator 10 or position monitor 20) is operably linked 32/34 to the water current generator 10 and position monitor 20.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary pool system comprising a first water current generator 10 located at a first end of a pool 1 and a second water current generator 40 located at a second end of the pool 1. The first water current generator 10 comprises one or more jets/pumps/propellers 15. A second water current generator 40 is located at a second end of the pool 1 and comprises an intake 45 comprising one or more pumps/propellers/jets/etc. The first and second water current generators produce a water current 5 within the pool. The system comprises a position monitor 20 comprising a forward sensor 24 that generates/receives a forward detection beam/wave 25 and a backward sensor 22 that generates/receives a backward detection beam/wave 23. A processor/controller/memory/UI unit 30 (which may be house in a single unit or multiple units and/or in/on either the water current generator 10 or position monitor 20) is operably linked 32/34 to the water current generator 10 and position monitor 20.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, forward movement (advancing) of a subject within the water current 5 is detected if the subject crosses the forward detection beam/wave 25; backward (retreating) movement of the subject is detected if the subject crosses the forward detection beam/wave 23. The system, via the processor/controller/memory/UI unit 30 adjust the rate of flow produced by the water current generators 10/40 in response to signals/data from the position monitor 20.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary pool system comprising a single water current generator 10 located at one end of the pool 1. The water current generator 10 comprises one or more jets/pumps/propellers 15 that produce a linear water current 5. A position monitor 20 and sensor 26 produce a position detection beam/wave 27. Forward/backward movement of a subject within the current 5 are detected by the beam/wave 27. The system, via the processor/controller/memory/UI unit 30 adjust the rate of flow produced by the water current generator 10 in response to signals/data from the position monitor 20.

FIG. 4 depicts an integrated system in which the first water current generator, processor/controller/memory/UI unit, and position monitor are all housed in a single integrated unit 50. It will be recognized that various components described herein may be housed in multiple or combined units, housings etc. 

1. A system comprising a water current generator and a position monitor, wherein the water current generator is configured to produce a current within a body of water, wherein the position monitor is configured to monitor the position of an object within the body of water; wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the object in a forward direction opposing the current, then the water current generator increases the rate of flow.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the object in a backward direction with the current, then the water current generator decreases the rate of flow.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the body of water is a pool.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is integrated into the sides and/or bottom of the pool.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is mounted onto a pool deck, sides, and/or bottom of the pool.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the water current generator comprises a one or more of a hydraulic motor, a jet, a pump, and a propeller; wherein the water current generator produces a current by forcing water into the body or water.
 7. The system of claim 6, comprising a second water current generator comprising one or more of a hydraulic motor, a jet, a pump, and a propeller; wherein the second water current generator produces a current by pulling water from the body or water.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the object within the body of water.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the position monitor detects forward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line in the body of water.
 10. The system of claim 2, wherein the position monitor detects backward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line in the body of water.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the position monitor continuously monitors the position of the object in the pool and the current generator increases or decreases the rate of flow to maintain stable forward to backward position of the object within the body of water.
 12. A pool comprising the system of one of claim
 1. 13. A method of maintaining the position of a subject swimming within a pool, the method comprising: (a) generating a current within the pool, against which the subject can swim; and (b) monitoring the position of the subject within the pool; (c) modifying the force of the current if the subject advances or retreats position within the pool with respect to the current.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the current is generated by one or more hydraulic motors, jets, pumps, and/or propellers forcing water into and/or out of a portion of the pool.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the position of the subject is monitored by one or more of radar, sonar, lidar, and/or a light beam. 